This fabulous Fall salad with a warm vinaigrette pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, roast pork or you could even put the salad on a roasted turkey sandwich (Panera Bread Style).  Next time you make turkey burgers, spread one side of the bun with the cranberry mostarda. Cranberry Mostarda 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 tsp. chopped…

I have recently returned from an amazing weekend in Martha’s Vineyard for the Fall Festivals.  It’s a quaint and cozy little island that is always hopping with fishing contests, festivals and fun. We ventured out to the other end of the island to a small fishing village to visit Larsen’s Fish Market.  It’s a small…

Who can ever get enough Macaroni & Cheese?  This is the quintessential family-friendly meal.  Our lives are busy now and it’s sometimes difficult to have a quick meal or snack that satisfies and keeps you going!  Instead of macaroni alone, add lots of cauliflower that is loaded with lots of vitamins and minerals.  Another trick…

I had the pleasure of working with Anne Dolce , Editor at The Daily Meal  to put together a homemade version of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme. From the spices in the beef to homemade taco sauce, we put it all together for a healthier, fresher homemade version. I’ve tested the recipes and photographed the steps.…

Here’s an easy, inexpensive bird bath for our little feathered friends.  Use a grapevine wreath and a flowerpot saucer to create a refreshing spot for the birds.  All you need is: 3/8″ manila rope (I used jute) 15-inch grapevine wreath 10-inch terra cotta saucer Grape leaves or ivy Instructions: Cut three (5-foot) lengths of rope…

I made my traditional corned beef and cabbage for St Patrick’s Day yesterday.  I received the following recipe in my email the other day and I knew it would be a winner for leftover corned beef.  What else can you do with it besides hash or another sandwich.  This also gave me some inspiration that…

An American, kid-friendly classic. There are hundreds of versions of this recipe, but this one is my favorite. 1-1/4 lbs. ground beef 1/2 cup grated carrots 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery (I substituted 1/2 tsp. celery seed) 2 garlic cloves, minced Salt 1/2 cup ketchup 1 15-ounce can whole tomatoes, pureed 1…

Resistance is useless. The zucchini are coming. It’s just the beginning.  Soon we will be overloaded with zucchini and fresh garden tomatoes (which is a good thing). Something lighter for a delicious lunch or dinner on hot summer nights. 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 medium) 1/2 cup grated onion 1 tsp. kosher salt 1…

A new twist on an old favorite! Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. chopped garlic Salt & Pepper to taste 1 lb. ground sirloin (90% lean) 1 – 15 oz. can Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilis 3/4 cup chili sauce 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 cup pimento-stuffed olives…

What else can you do with all those juicy tomatoes?  Your neighbor gives you some to add to the bowl on your counter and you dread the thought of peeling and cooking down the tomatoes for hours to make a fresh sauce.  The alternative is to make yourself some delicious, fresh tomato juice.  There is…

It’s that time again!  Gearing up to get back to school!  My boys are grown and their school days are over.  No more backpacks, lunch boxes and trying to wake them up in the morning! Still when I see the little ones waiting for the school bus, it sure brings back wonderful memories.  Always taking…

Pimento Cheese spread is a southern comfort food.  It is as basic as peanut butter.  Pimento cheese shows up at tailgate parties, picnics, bridge clubs, church events, wedding feasts and funeral gatherings.  There are hundreds of variations for this spread.  Maybe y’all may be lucky enough to have a recipe handed down from past generations. …

It’s a Mexican Fiesta!  Celebrating with #SundaySupper!  In the early hours of September 16th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato, rang the church bell to gather the townspeople. He called for the people of Mexico to rise up against the Spanish Crown, thus initiating Mexico’s War of…

I was never a big fan of cilantro until about 2 years ago.  The smell of it used to make me choke and it tasted like soap to me.  I read somewhere that you have to have a bitter taste perception gene to like cilantro. There is actually a website for people that hate cilantro!…